Genesis 14:9 - Four kings battle five nations

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Hebrew Text

אֵת כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר מֶלֶךְ עֵילָם וְתִדְעָל מֶלֶךְ גּוֹיִם וְאַמְרָפֶל מֶלֶךְ שִׁנְעָר וְאַרְיוֹךְ מֶלֶךְ אֶלָּסָר אַרְבָּעָה מְלָכִים אֶת־הַחֲמִשָּׁה׃

English Translation

with Kedorla῾omer the king of ῾Elam, and with Tid῾al, king of Goyim, and Amrafel, king of Shin῾ar, and Aryokh, king of Ellasar; four kings against five.

Transliteration

Et Kedorla'omer melech Eylam veTid'al melech Goyim veAmrafel melech Shin'ar veAryoch melech Ellasar arba'a melachim et-hachamisha.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֣ת כְּדׇרְלָעֹ֜מֶר מֶ֣לֶךְ עֵילָ֗ם וְתִדְעָל֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ גּוֹיִ֔ם וְאַמְרָפֶל֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ שִׁנְעָ֔ר וְאַרְי֖וֹךְ מֶ֣לֶךְ אֶלָּסָ֑ר אַרְבָּעָ֥ה מְלָכִ֖ים אֶת־הַחֲמִשָּֽׁה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 14:9) describes the alliance of four kings who waged war against the five kings of the cities of the plain (Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela). The battle is part of the narrative leading to Avraham Avinu's rescue of his nephew Lot, who was captured during the conflict.

Identification of the Kings

Kedorlaomer, King of Elam: Rashi (Bereshit 14:1) explains that "Kedorlaomer" means "binding of sheaves," symbolizing his role in subduing nations under his rule. Elam was a powerful kingdom east of Mesopotamia.
Tid'al, King of Goyim: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 42:5) identifies "Goyim" as a reference to various nations under his dominion, suggesting he ruled over a coalition of peoples.
Amrafel, King of Shinar: Rashi (Bereshit 14:1) connects Amrafel with Nimrod, based on the Talmud (Eruvin 53a), which states that "Amrafel" is a combination of "amar" (he said) and "hafal" (he cast down), alluding to his command to cast Avraham into the fiery furnace.
Aryokh, King of Ellasar: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 42:5) suggests that Aryokh was a subordinate ruler under Kedorlaomer, as Ellasar was likely a vassal state of Elam.

Symbolism of Four Against Five

The battle of four kings against five represents the struggle between opposing forces in the world. The Ramban (Bereshit 14:1) notes that this conflict foreshadows future geopolitical struggles, emphasizing Divine Providence in shaping history. The victory of the four kings over the five demonstrates that military might does not always determine outcomes—Hashem's will is supreme.

Connection to Avraham Avinu

The defeat of the five kings, including the king of Sodom, sets the stage for Avraham's intervention. The Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 27) teaches that this war was a test for Avraham, allowing him to demonstrate his faith and courage by rescuing Lot. His victory over the four kings (Bereshit 14:14-16) highlights his role as a righteous leader chosen by Hashem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the four kings mentioned in Genesis 14:9?
A: The four kings mentioned are Kedorlaomer of Elam, Tid'al of Goyim, Amrafel of Shinar, and Aryokh of Ellasar. According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, Amrafel is identified with Nimrod, the powerful king who challenged Avraham (Abraham) and threw him into the fiery furnace (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 42:4). These kings formed an alliance to wage war against the five kings of Sodom and its neighboring cities.

Q: Why is the battle of the four kings against the five kings important in the Torah?
A: This battle is significant because it sets the stage for Avraham's (Abraham's) heroic rescue of his nephew Lot, who was captured during the conflict. The Torah highlights this event to show Avraham's bravery and dedication to family, as well as Divine Providence in ensuring his victory despite being outnumbered (Ramban on Genesis 14:1). It also demonstrates the moral corruption of Sodom, which led to its eventual destruction.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the war of the four kings against the five kings?
A: One key lesson is that even in times of great conflict and uncertainty, Hashem protects those who are righteous and faithful. Avraham's involvement in this war—despite not originally being part of the conflict—shows the importance of standing up for justice and helping others in need (Pirkei Avot 2:5). Additionally, the story teaches that alliances of wicked rulers ultimately fail, as seen in the downfall of these kings.

Q: How does Rashi explain the name 'Amrafel' in this verse?
A: Rashi (Genesis 14:1) explains that 'Amrafel' is another name for Nimrod, the king who ordered Avraham to be thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship idols. The name 'Amrafel' comes from the phrase 'amar pol' (אמר פול), meaning 'he said, fall!'—referring to his command for Avraham to fall into the fire (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 42:4). This connection emphasizes the ongoing conflict between Avraham's monotheism and the idolatry of the surrounding nations.